A drug used to treat high hypertension, congestive heart failure, disorders of the ventricles.
Brand name Vasotec.
An ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor), which prevents the constriction of blood vessels.
It lowers the death rate in systolic heart failure, often in combination with digitalis and diuretics.
Side effects: dizziness, worsening of kidney function in people who already have kidney disease.
May cause several serious problems in pregnancy.
Can cause angioedema, which can occur at any time during treatment.
It may cause a dry cough.
More common side effects:
dizziness
weakness
skin rash
cough
Serious side effects:
trouble breathing or swallowing
hoarseness
tightness of the chest
Liver problems
Central nervous system problems: lightheadedness,fainting
Kidney problems
weight gain
Hyperkalemia
Drug interactions that increase risk of renal problems include:
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Heart and blood pressure drugs
Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, and potassium-containing salt substitutes
Taking lithium with enalapril may increase the lithium levels.
Concomitant drugs that can increase angioedema include neprilysyn inhibitors.
It should not be used to treat high blood pressure in infants and children with severe kidney disease.
Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
The usual dosage range is 10 to 40 mg per day.
Child starting dosage ages 1 month–17 years is 0.08 mg/kg of body weight taken by mouth once per day up to 5 mg once per day.
No specific recommendations for senior dosing exists.
Dose reduction required with kidney impairment.